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Timana Tahu and Craig Gower were today recalled to the NSW team
named for the State of Origin rugby league series decider at
Suncorp Stadium on July 6.

Tahu takes over from winger Luke Rooney (thigh) in the starting
side, while halfback Gower replaces utility Craig Wing (hamstring)
on the bench in the only two changes to the squad that levelled the
series in Sydney.

Coach Ricky Stuart said the all-or-nothing nature of the match
meant he could not afford to go into camp with players under injury
clouds, although a limited exception was made for captain Danny
Buderus.

Buderus was included despite a toe injury but will be given only
until Thursday for a decision on his fitness, with Penrith hooker
Luke Priddis joining the squad as cover.

Buderus has had his foot in a protective boot since playing a
leading role in the Origin II win, which levelled the series at
1-1. He will remove the boot on Wednesday and will be expected to
run later that day if he's to play.

"Danny Buderus as captain, we give him the privilege that he
deserves, giving him up until Thursday to make a decision on his
injured toe," Stuart said.

Origin I five-eighth Trent Barrett was ruled out because he had not
played since suffering a thigh injury in training for Origin
II.

"We didn't consider Luke Rooney or Trent Barrett," said Stuart. "We
made a decision that we thought too many players had not had enough
game time.

"We were in a position with Craig Wing that we probably could not
have an answer until Saturday or Sunday, and it was unfair to the
Panthers if we had Craig Gower on hold until that time.

"We had to make a decision today on what we thought was the best
possible scenario for the team and it was to go with Craig
Gower."

Stuart said Tahu was preferred over other leading candidates such
as Parramatta teammate Eric Grothe and Bulldogs pointscoring
machine Hazem El Masri because of his previous Origin
experience.

Tahu has played in seven matches for the Blues, the last of
which was in game two last season.